Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Riesling - 87pts

Wild Goose Vineyards 2020 Riesling (Okanagan Falls) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $23 + taxes
Alcohol: 12.6%
Date Tasted: September 14th, 2022

Tasting Notes: Sourced from winery's 37-year-old Riesling vines on their Okanagan Falls vineyard, this wine offers a subtle expression of the variety on the nose with a combination of peach pit and other stone fruit aromas and light, joyful aromatic notes. The star here is the slightly, off-dry palate with lots to enjoy from tangy, fresh peach acidity to playful, lemony-spices and a touch of herbs. Ready to go now. Drink 2022-2024.

  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2022 IconWines.ca

Amulet Wines 2018 Red - 89pts

Amulet Wines 2018 Red (Penticton/Naramata Bench) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $34.78 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.2%
Production: 123 cases
Date Tasted: October 29th, 2019

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, Southern Rhone-inspired blend of 46% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 26% Mouvedre showing youthful aromas of cola, vanilla, sweet black licorice, ripe wild berries and fresh, rich flowers. A similar, mouth-watering palate follows, minus the flower notes, but with additional flavours of a medley red fruits and the charred bits of roasted, sweet potatoes. 

Extremely food-friendly thanks to the plethora of wild berry acidity. The winery's suggestion of a braised lamb shoulder seems spot on, but also consider lamb shank or Greek food, in general. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2022+.

On a side note: The Amulet Wines brand is the side project of long-time Stag's Hollow winemaker, Dwight Sick (now of Moraine Estate Winery), who has long been a fan of Rhone Valley varieties and a proponent of their viability in the Okanagan Valley. This micro label, limited to one white and one red release comprised exclusively of Rhone varieties, is another example of Dwight proving himself right - and we're glad he is. Sold through Roche Wines or direct at https://www.amuletwines.ca/.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Amulet Wines 2018 White - 90pts

Amulet Wines 2018 White (Penticton/Naramata Bench) - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here
Cost: $26.09 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 163 cases
Date Tasted: October 11th, 2019

Tasting Notes: An elegant, food-friendly wine composed of 90% Viognier and 10% Marsanne sourced from Penticton and Naramata Bench vineyards, offering a delicate nose of fresh apricot skins and flesh, canned pears and unpasteurized honey and a mouth-watering, yet, subtly oily palate of Asian pear, white peach, chestnuts, light lime rind and a hint of minerals. Pairs nicely with spicy noodle dishes or with hard cheeses. Ready to go now. Drink 2019-2021.

On a side note: The Amulet Wines brand is the side project of long-time Stag's Hollow winemaker, Dwight Sick (now of Moraine Estate Winery), who has long been a fan of Rhone Valley varieties and a proponent of their viability in the Okanagan Valley. This micro label, limited to one white and one red release comprised exclusively of Rhone varieties, is another example of Dwight proving himself right - and we're glad he is. Sold through Roche Wines or direct at https://www.amuletwines.ca/.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Gewurztraminer - 86pts

Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery 2017 Gewurztraminer - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here 
Cost: $18 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.6%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2018

Tasting Notes: This off-dry, fruit'n'spice Gewurztraminer is sourced from vineyards on the Golden Mile Bench in the Okanagan Valley and from vineyards near Cawston in the neighbouring Similkameen Valley (a 72/28 percent split respectively). Asian pear, lychee and pear notes lead the way on the easy-going nose and well-balanced palate where a touch of exotic spice lingers while apple and pear acidity help keep the gooey mouthfeel, mostly in-check and fluid. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - 86pts

Calliope Wines 2016 Sauvignon Blanc - BC VQA

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15-17 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 24th, 2017

Tasting Notes: A pleasant, straight-forward Sauvignon Blanc with tangy green apple, hay and under-ripe apricot aromas on the nose and with raw citrus and tropical fruit acidity on the lemony-apple infused, lightly spiced, medium-bodied palate. Finish is moderate, well-balanced and refreshing - just as a Sauv Blanc should be. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Meritage - 89pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Meritage - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $23.99
Alcohol: 13.3%
Date Tasted: December 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: A true "BC Blend" with grapes sourced from Southern Okanagan, Similkameen and Lillooet vineyards combining ripe, berry and cassis fruit with smoky, sage and clove characters to form a food-friendly, masculine Meritage with medium-plus body, mannered tannins and cool-berry acidity. Ready to go now. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2014 Cabernet Franc - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $24.99 (including taxes)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Production: 1045 cases
Date Tasted: October 20th, 2016

Tasting Notes: Produced from fruit sourced both from the winery's home vineyard in Lillooet and from the Southern Okanagan Valley (a 75-25 split, respectively). The house style is a cool, masculine Cabernet Franc with dark fruit and savoury-oak undertones, though, its far from monochromatic with aromatic, feminine touches on the memorable nose and the mouth-watering, spicy, medium-everything palate. A ready-to-be-enjoyed-now wine, though, holding for a few more years is not out of the question. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2011 Family Reserve Chardonnay - 89pts

Mt. Boucherie Winery 2011 Family Reserve Chardonnay (Similkameen Valley) BC

Availability: VQA stores and direct from the winery here
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: August 18th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Manages to deliver the robust, butter cream'n'baked orchard fruit aromas and flavours many Chardonnay lovers crave, without feeling overly heavy and flat. Time in oak and a softening of the acids process known as 'MLF' or malolactic fermentation, has infused the nose with ripe apple, white peach and cream aromas, while offering, intense baked Granny Smith apple, brioche and spicy-vanilla flavours on the palate. Balance is kept in-check with cool, mineral-y acidity. Light spice lingers on the moderate finish. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé - 85pts

Calliope Wines 2013 Rosé (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $13.90
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 13th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A vibrant, bright nose of cranberry, pomegranate, lime rind and raspberry aromas opens this rosé, a blend of Syrah-Viognier (70%-30%, respectively). The palate feels a little out of synch with the light-weight, red fruit and citrus fruit flavours unable to fully balance the 14% alcohol, though, mineral and spice notes are a welcomed component. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-Viognier - 88pts

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Sauvignon Blanc-Viognier (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $23.50
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 480 cases
Date Tasted: November 3rd, 2013
@BonamiciCellars

Tasting Notes: This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (with lesser amounts of Marsanne and Rousanne) is an exploration of how crisp, tangy flavours contrasted by richer, tropical fruit-infused ones can result in a harmonious and more complete wine than its individual parts. This is mostly achieved by the Bonamici team with intense grapefruit, papaya, Bosc pear, herbs, green pepper and light French oak flavours on the complex palate where crisp acidity meets a lush texture, though, the intersection of the juxtaposed characters cancel-out one another on the muted nose. Finish is long and satisfying. Drink now-2016+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Merlot-Cabernet Franc - 88pts

Bonamici Cellars 2012 Merlot-Cabernet Franc (Okanagan Valley) BC

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 500 cases
Date Tasted: November 1st, 2013
@BonamiciCellars

Tasting Notes: Big, raw aromas of wild berry fruit and earthy sage brush patrol the nose of this Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend from new 'virtual winery', Bonamici Cellars. Sourced from Oliver and Osoyoos vineyards, the palate is structured with fine, light tannins and loaded with bright, mixed-berry and spice box flavours complimented by cocoa powder and French oak notes. The finish is moderate and mouth watering. Drink 2014-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

On a side note: The term virtual winery refers to a winery lacking a brick and mortar tasting room open to the public whose wines are produced at another winery's facility. Bonamici plan on having their own tasting room and winery down the line, but for now, are content to operate as a small, micro label focusing on a handful of quality wines.

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot - 92pts

Painted Rock Estate Winery 2007 Merlot (Skaha Lake) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from winery. Select private wine shops and VQA stores.
Cost: $39.90
Alcohol: 14.7%
Date Tasted: May 28th, 2010
Re-tasted: April 5th, 2013

Tasting Notes: This inky-ruby charmer from the winner of the Okanagan Valley's "Best New Winery" award for 2009 is a fantastic, cellar-worthy wine. Full of concentrated, dark cherry and ripe plum flavours on the palate with intense aromas of bright berries on the nose.

Adding to the attraction of this Merlot is the 18 months of aging in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The vanilla, mocha and toasted oak spice characters combine artfully with the concentrated fruit on the nose and palate creating a wine that oozes charisma and passion.

A sensual, feminine texture with silky-smooth tannins and a long finish complete the experience. The fine, integrated tannins and structure will help this wine age sublimely with further development over the next 3 years. Drink now through 2017. http://www.paintedrock.ca/
 - Liam Carrier

Re-tasting Notes: This Merlot has aged beautifully showing gorgeous violet aromas gracing the developed nose. Palate shows lots of life left with sweet black licorice flavours now prominent. Original drinking window projection is holding true, though why wait? 6 years seems to be the sweet spot for this Merlot.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Fairview Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc - 90pts

Fairview Cellars 2008 Sauvignon Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold-out. Contact winery for library release info
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: September 29th, 2009
Re-tasted: January 26th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Winemaker Bill Eggert is known for making powerful and elegant red wines at his small Oliver, BC winery. He's developed a cult following for these reds with many enthusiasts and his wines are featured in most of the top restaurants of the province. In 2007 he released his first and only white wine, a blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with a touch of Semillon. The 2008 vintage shows remarkably well and perhaps may induce Bill to attempt more whites, we can only hope.

This pale-straw coloured wine offers classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas of gooseberries and grapefruit with lemon grass notes. On the palate the high acid kick is mellowed by the abundance of fruit flavours: papaya, grapefruit, lemon, more gooseberries and a hint of unripened mango. The mineral notes and citrus flavours make this light-bodied wine a perfect pairing for oysters. In fact Bill refers to this wine as his "oyster wine" right on the label and he is absolutely right. Drink 2009-2015.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2009 IconWines.ca

Re-tasted Notes: The Stelvin cap enclosure has kept this wine tasting amazingly fresh for a 5 year-old Sauvignon Blanc. The colour has deepened slightly to a light hay hue while the acidic kick is still alive and well. Age has developed a tasty unctuousness that wasn't present in 2009, making the palate more complex, though, the finish has suffered a little, ending sooner, yet still lingers with mouth-watering lime rind notes.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Neck of the Woods Winery 2011 Backyard Vineyards Nosey Neighbour White - 85pts

Neck of the Woods Winery 2011 Backyard Vineyards Nosey Neighbour White - BC

Availability: Direct from winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 12.1%
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2012

Tasting Notes: An easy-going, well-priced blend of 61% Pinot Gris, 17% Riesling, 17% Sigerrebe and 5% Gewurztraminer from both the Okanagan and Fraser Valleys with the Pinot Gris providing the main flavour characteristics while the other grapes help enhance the overall presentation. Green apples, pears and a healthy dose of citrus fruit make the nose cheerful and pleasant. The palate is a little thin and bit acidic, needing a solid food pairing like a rich and lemony seafood salad to improve the short finish. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012

Neck of the Woods Winery 2011 Backyard Vineyards Pinot Gris - 85pts

Neck of the Woods Winery 2011 Backyard Vineyards Pinot Gris - BC VQA

Availability: VQA stores and here
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.1%
Date Tasted: June 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: As a blend of fruit from multiple regions this Pinot Gris aims for varietal typicity more than regional identity and succeeds moderately well for the price. Bosc pear, lemon rind and cashew nut aromas greet you on the friendly, subtle nose. The fruit-forward, dry palate follows with apple and pear flavours and a watery texture that's mostly saved with a generous amount of acid. The finish is moderate with lingering citrus fruit and light spice. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright Icon Wines 2012

La Frenz Winery 2009 Merlot - 87+pts

La Frenz Winery 2009 Merlot (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out. New vintage in June, 2012
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: March 4th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A refreshing, mineral and dark berry puree flavoured Merlot from Naramata Bench producer La Frenz Winery whose balance is a tad tart with light spice and fine tannins complimenting the concentrated, lively mouth feel. Ends with a long finish and lingering blueberry fruit and anise notes. Pair with a dark-chocolate lava cake desert. Enjoy this wine now or over the next 2-3 years. Drink Now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc - 87pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Pinot Blanc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13.8%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Delicate floral notes greet you on the nose of this lovely and well-priced Pinot Blanc from Hester Creek followed by baked apple, stonefruit and herbaceous aromas. The hot 2009 growing season produced amble sugar in the grapes which for this Pinot Blanc has been mostly fermented, leaving only a touch of residual sugar and loads of juicy, citrus fruit flavours. The balance is slightly hot, lacking a bit of acidity to match the fullness from the alcohol and fruit. However, the wine is supremely tasty and fun to drink - especially on a hot, sunny deck with good company. Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Semillon-Chardonnay - 86pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2009 Semillon-Chardonnay (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Folks looking for an off-dry white that offers decent complexity and pairs well with rich food need look no further. The Hester Creek Semillon-Chardonnay is such a wine delivering melon, apple, flint, pear and tropical fruit characters in spade. Whilst doing so at the exceptional price of $15.99! Enjoy this wine in its youth. Drink 2011-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc - 90pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $25.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Hester Creek consistently produce one of the Provinces top Cabernet Franc each year and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Classic Cabernet Franc funkiness on the nose is elevated by gorgeous red and dark berry aromas. The complex, dry palate offers a plethora of fruit and savoury characters with a juicy texture that signs in the mouth. This wine is very well balanced matching the tannin, acid and texture expertly resulting in a Cabernet Franc that is both fun and challenging to drink. The long finish offers lingering spice. Ready to drink now. 2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 The Judge - 89pts

Hester Creek Estate Winery 2007 The Judge (Golden Mile Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Direct from the winery here and VQA stores
Cost: $45
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 4th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Hester Creek's first foray into the land of premium Meritage wines results in a well made and easy drinking blend of Bordeaux varietals. Herbaceous on the medium intense nose with dark berry, spice and toasted oak aromas. The dry palate is very smooth with dark fruit characters and savoury notes from a lengthy oak treatment. Ready to drink now, however, lingering astringency on the moderate finish should mellow with further cellaring. Drink mid-2011-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca